Public Poll Results: 2023 Connecticut P.O.Y.

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 pre-season is right on the horizon. Coming into this year, Connecticut has a number of potential<strong> Player of the Year candidates</strong>. While there are some big names to consider for Player of the Year, there are plenty of players that could spark their team toward a deep postseason run this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We created a preseason public poll to vote on who will win Connecticut's "GATORADE" POY for 2023. <strong>Voting ended at 11:55 a.m. ET on Aug 10, 2023</strong>. The following recruits were the top five vote-getters in our Poll, that are projected by the public to win the 2023 Connecticut P.O.Y after this season is completed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233631"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='233631' first='Shaun' last='Ayers']rnrnu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003e6'4 270lbsu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003e2024 DT/DE /u003c/spanu003eNCAA ID: 2106216107 ||3 D1 Offers||Email:Shaun_Ayers@yahoo.comrnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat we know about this recruit: January 2023 - u003c/strongu003eGives persistent effort to each rep.  Makes excellent use of his hands during battle. Fights to maintain his gap responsibility. Has a bit of nastiness to his skill set.rnrnu003cstrongu003eJuly 2023u003c/strongu003e - He is ranked as the # 7 Defensive Lineman in the class of 2024 in New England.  He entered the 2023 spring evaluation period with an offer from University of Central Florida. On May 15, 2023 he announced a Div 1 offer from Sacred Heart University followed by an offer from Tuskegee University on June 20, 2023.  On July 1, 2023 he announced an offer from Stonehill College. As a result of his recent recruitment activity, his rank could be boosted during our next updated rankings scheduled for Sept 2023.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d51fa25e170"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TheShaunAyers/status/1674029298498383872?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TheShaunAyers/status/1674029298498383872?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15246567/638425cb2aa6480a7498b570' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d63d02b4cf8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["630453"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='630453' first='Jon' last='Morris']rnrnu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003e2024 | Fairfield Prep Footballu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003e UConn Football |u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eWhat we know about this recruit: February 2023 - u003c/strongu003eHe defines ball-hawking ability. Very good size for a defensive back.  Has excellent field awareness.  Has obvious acceleration when sprinting full speed. Tackles with a low pad level. Does well with open field tackles.  Will lay out to make a play on the ball. Very disruptive in the secondary.  Has good run support instincts.  Div 1 quality player with over 9 current offers and has a high ceiling.rnrnu003cstrongu003eMarch 2023 - u003c/strongu003eHe is ranked as the #3 defensive back in Connecticut and also the #4 ranked defensive back in the New England region. He attends Fairfield Prep in Connecticut.rnrnHe defines ball-hawking ability. Very good size for a defensive back.  Has excellent field awareness.  Has obvious acceleration when sprinting full speed. Tackles with a low pad level. Does well with open field tackles.  Will lay out to make a play on the ball. Very disruptive in the secondary.  Has good run support instincts.rnrnDiv 1 quality player with over 9 current offers and has a high ceiling.  He will see a slew of coaches checking in on him this April/spring evaluation.rnrnu003cstrongu003e July 2023u003c/strongu003e - He is ranked as the #4 Defensive Back in the class of 2024 in New England.  On June 20, 2023 he announced his commitment to the University of Connecticut.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d51fa25e1e1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/_jon_morris_/status/1671169684388061189?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_jon_morris_/status/1671169684388061189?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/FhSTzSpKDMk","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/FhSTzSpKDMk </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["380928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='380928' first='Ty' last='Curran']rnrnu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003e3u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003e ATH |u003c/spanu003ecommit | St. Thomas More ‘24 | 5'11 180 | 4.47 40 | #1 WR in CT | #1 Slot Receiver in NE | 978-726-5630 | 12 D1 offers (5 FBS offers)rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat we know about this recruit: February 2023 -u003c/strongu003e He is positioned as a slot/wide receiver for his team.  He runs very good routs with his loose hips. Has soft hands that he uses to pull in darts when targeted.  He can stick his foot in the ground, change direction easily. Gets separation. Knows where the ball is and goes up to get it.rnrnu003cstrongu003eMarch 2023u003c/strongu003e - He is ranked as the #2 wide receiver in Connecticut and also the #5 ranked wide receiver in the New England region. He attends St Thomas Moore in Connecticut.rnrnIdentified and seen as a next level slot/wide receiver for his team. He is quick, twitchy and explosive with ball in his hands.  He runs very experienced routes with his loose hips. Has soft secure hands that he uses to pull in darts when targeted.  He can stick his foot in the ground, and change direction with a obvious burst of speed that gets him upfield quickly. Knows how to get separation in man and zone coverages. Knows where the ball is and goes up to get it.rnrnCurrently has active offers from lafayette, Bowling Green and Charlotte. He will have visits from college coaches during the 2023 Spring evaluation period on April.rnrnu003cstrongu003e July 2023u003c/strongu003e - He is ranked as the #5 Wide Receiver in the class of 2024 in New England.  On June 10, 2023 he announced his commitment to the University of Ball State.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d51fa25e23a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TyCurran06/status/1667620641954996226?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TyCurran06/status/1667620641954996226?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12676385/635eedfc4deb630d1c2219a2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64da2e080fe3d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='404251' first='Michael' last='Pangaro']rnrnu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003eThe Taft School 2024 Captain/ CB 6''0 170/u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0u0022u003emichaelpangaro@icloud.com 203-558-4772u003c/spanu003ernrnu003cstrongu003eWhat we know about this recruit:  January 2023 - u003c/strongu003eHe is 6'1″ 170lbs and attends the Taft School in Connecticut. He was positioned as a defensive back for his team this season. He has a recorded 40yrd time of 4.6. At the time of this publication, Michael is currently doing a academic semester in Spain.  He did tell me his recruitment interest are from mainly Ivy league schools.rnrnHe has very good field awareness and reacts to run or pass quickly. He uses both a strike and wrap and roll technique when tackling. He hits through the body with good strength. Has a good burst that allows him to break on the ball. He has fluidity in the hips and ankles to open up the hips, change direction, and re-accelerate instantly. Press man coverage ability is solid and he keeps WRs from creating separation.rnrnHe is ranked as the #5 defensive back in Connecticut and also the #7 ranked defensive back in the New England region. He attends Taft School in Connecticut.rnrnu003cstrongu003eMarch 2023u003c/strongu003e - He has very good field awareness and reacts to run or pass quickly. He uses both a strike and wrap and roll technique when tackling. He hits through the body with good strength. Has a good burst that allows him to break on the ball. He has fluidity in the hips and ankles to open up the hips, change direction, and re-accelerate instantly. Press man coverage ability is solid and he keeps WRs from creating separation.rnrnHe has Division 1 interest from majority of Ivy League schools including Junior Day invites.  I expect he to see a slew of college coaches visiting him during the April evaluation period in Spring 2023.rnrnu003cstrongu003eMay 2023u003c/strongu003e - u003cbu003eu003cstrongu003eHead Coaches Notes/u003c/strongu003eAnalysis: u003c/bu003eExceptional competitor. Long, athletic corner with physicality and toughness. Great tackler. Unanimous Team Captain. Will be a 3 year starter. Already up 10lbs from the season. High FCS projection.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d51fa25e27c"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MichaelPangaro/status/1592549558948855820?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MichaelPangaro/status/1592549558948855820?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404292"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='404292' first='Braden' last='Macdonald']rnrn6'7 245lb TE/DE, 4.0 GPA | The Taft School 2024rnrnu003cstrongu003eWhat we know about this recruit: April 2023 - u003c/strongu003ernrnHe is ranked as the #4 Tight-end in New England.  He attends The Taft School in Connecticut.rnrnHe is so versatile with his size, he actually is being recruited on both offense Tight-End and a 3-Front Defensive-End.  This defines his aggression that pops on his film.  He displays soft hands with high level range and length. He catches the ball with ease and gets up field quickly for good YAC while finishing his runs with a low center of gravity and leaning forward into defenders. His body is lean and he surely has room for additional muscle growth and development.rnrnu003cstrongu003eMay 2023u003c/strongu003e - u003cbu003eInterest: u003c/bu003eRice, UMASS, UCONN, UAB, Wake Forest, Duke, Temple, Rutgers, All High academic FBS, Ivy, Patriotrnrnu003cbu003eOffers: u003c/bu003eArmyrnrnu003cbu003eu003cstrongu003eHead Coaches Notes/u003c/strongu003eAnalysis: u003c/bu003eHUGE frame, natural pass catcher, great inline blocker. Started both ways for us. Also an excellent DE for a 3 down scheme. Versatile athlete- used as inline TE, Split WR and H Back. Runs very well 5.0 laser at UC Report and should run 4.8 hand at camps this summer, 4.47 pro agility shuttle. I suspect he will get offers from all of the Patriot League and Ivy league, but I think he is a Power 5 TE.rnrnu003cstrongu003eJuly 2023u003c/strongu003e - u003cstrongu003eOffers Earned during Spring/Summer 2023: u003c/strongu003eArmy West Point 4/21/23, Bucknell 6/7/23, Central Connecticut State 6/21/23","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d51fa25e2bd"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/bradenmacdonal/status/1591923634754711552?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/bradenmacdonal/status/1591923634754711552?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->